Pleasurably better, not measurably better

I have a friend from college that still has the same receiver and speakers that he bought way back when and is still incredibly happy with his setup. Heck, my brother is really happy with the sound that comes out of his phone! I will never be able to convince them why I have the kit I do. 
Measurements be damned!

@curiousjim You bring up the other side of the extreme.  Systems which measure a lot better, but which for the buyer has no more value. 

This is another case when measurements have no value.  I can't tell that person with a garage stereo my system is worth more if he doesn't actually sense more joy.

Yep, I learned decades ago that if someone is happy with the sound of  two tin cans and some string, there is little chance of convincing them that your system is any better.

@curiousjim - Yep.  And even among audiophiles this may happen.  I just can't listen comfortably for long to a stereo in a live room.  Many audiphiles absolutely can! I envy them.  To them, my room treatments are worth $0.

I am on track with your thinking and have often felt the same way. Getting the sound accurately reproduced is really just the beginning. What I have recently experienced is a build that has a lot more bass detail and yet at the same time is bass heavy. But as it turns out, I enjoy this for listening. In fact, I get to hear what else is in the music. It was written, it was played and recorded, but not heard after that. Now, I hear those bass details and marvel at what was missing.

 Since my hearing has changed in the treble area, I really miss the 'air' of the music. I got a lot out of the venue where the music was recorded, but these days, I have to aim my interest elsewhere. 

 Midrange will always be important. Again, I like detail but short of harsh, that's for sure. And I want the lower mids to have presence but not at a level of distraction.

 So it becomes the end game, pleasing ourselves with music, not graphs.